Ottawa, Canada - International Trade Minister David L. Emerson today announced a record funding commitment of $4.7 million for 64 national trade associations under the Government of Canada’s Program for Export Market Development for Associations (PEMD-Associations).

“This is a record funding commitment by Canada’s new government to help more Canadian businesses access international markets,” said Minister Emerson. “We believe that our national prosperity hinges on our businesses succeeding in the global economy, and our trade associations have become a significant resource to help them succeed.”

The funding will allow associations to develop international marketing tools, help Canadian businesses participate in trade fairs and missions overseas, and organize visits by potential international buyers.

For example, recently one of the 64 trade associations—the Canadian Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE)—helped Canadian companies participate in 12 international trade exhibitions. It is estimated that the companies made nearly a thousand sales leads at these exhibitions and signed immediate and near-term contracts of $9.5 million, which may exceed $20 million as business relationships are developed.

The Government of Canada’s 2006-2007 funding to PEMD-Associations is expected to result in millions of dollars in total increased sales and total prospects for future sales.

For more information about the Program for Export Market Development for Associations and for a list of associations funded by the program, Click Here.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca.